Extreme Germany Part 2

The Danube is a very scenic river and one of the most scenic places I have ever fished, I also think the fishing potential is massive so will definitely be returning as soon as possible.

To take in the best of this beautiful we chose a boat trip into some of the more inaccessible areas, what can I say, it was amazing.

With Barbel swims like this it doesn't get much better, I also swam across the Danube at this point, Tim who is a very strong swimmer accompanied me, the powerful flow took us as fast down stream as we could swim across, but it was something very rewarding to do and great on a very hot summers day.

Frank is a cool customer and for years he had kept his cafe in germany a secret but now Frankie your secret is out, Coffee and ice creams on you.

Cees and Heike arranged for us to visit a falconry display, now I didn't understand a word what the German commentator was saying, but the birds did the talking, and I have to say its the best display I have ever seen, with at one point 7 different birds flying, awesome stuff.

Extreme Germany Part 1

Just back from our long anticipated trip to the River Danube in deepest Germany, and wow what a trip.

We took the overnight ferry from Harwich and arrived bright and early next morning in a very warm and pleasant Holland, a couple of hours later we were taking a cold refreshing drink with great friends Cees and Heike, after an early night we started on the 6 hour drive to Regensberg.

All was going well until we came upon this cruise ship washed up on the runway at Frankfurt airport, but in fact on closer inspection it turned out to be the Hilton hotel, what a mighty impressive site it is.

Our hosts for the trip the Danube Pirate Franz Dirmeyer and match fishing legend Berti Bovens were awaiting our arrival, and after some warm introductions and a cold beer they were keen to show us the river and swims they had been preparing for our arrival.

Also on the trip were fellow members of Team Barbel International Frank Pulles and Tim Jannasan and their partners Riny and Pattie. with the temperatures well into the 30s daytime fishing was always going to be very hard so it was no surprise it was into darkness before my first fish of note came to the net.

I was more than happy Berti and Franz were on hand to witness my first Danube barbel and for me thats another milestone achieved, barbel from the 5th country so far this year and a new river.

Steve Scores His Goal

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> Black Country Steve has Just spent a day with me on the Severn,, he set himself a goal this year of a River Severn barbel and managed that in style with this corker along With plenty of others.

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European Adventure Deel Drie

We had some great fun with our hosts and searched out other parts of the river, we found some deeper slower areas of the Vienne that looked good for some big barbel and carp, plenty of French carp anglers seemed to visit these areas, and tales of "Grande Barbeau" had me thinking we had the right areas.

Martin was the first to hook a decent fish and it took several minutes to land a wild river carp that had taken his bait before roaring off about 100 metres downstream and tangling with other lines on its way, but to Martins credit he managed to land it.

As well as a holiday we were also happy to help our hosts with work around their home, so most morning after breakfast we were out and about and working hard, the fantastic weather made it all that more enjoyable.

(PLEASE NOTE THIS IMAGE IS NOT AN ADVERT FOR GAY LOVE ON PINK MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Sadly our trip was all to quickly over and we had to make the journey back through France and home to No20, its great to be away but as we all know its good to get home.

We stopped for the night on the way home at the small seaside town of Le Treport, we had a great evening on the bikes taking in some great views

We were also proud to visit the War cemetery at Etaple and pay our regards to the Fallen.

They shall grow not old,

As we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them,

Nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun,

And in the morning

We will remember them.

A Big Big thanks to Bianca, Hendrik-Jan and Martin for such a Great time, we will be back!

Don't forget you are welcome in England anytime 

Great Read

Just got my copy of the new Korum magazine "Fishing made easy"

What a great publication you can see why Korum is the best brand by miles when it comes to quality specialist fishing tackle.

Pick up your free copy from any good tackle shop

European Adventure Part Deux

After our epic journey from Holland to France it was good to arrive and meet old friends Hendrik-Jan Bianca and Martin, after a nice meal and a beer it was time for bed and dream of some relaxed fishing over the next few days.

Our hosts had done all the hard work and licences and permits to fish were ready and waiting, bait was also sorted so it really was easy for us just off to the Vienne to catch some fish.

First cast and first fish and a new species for me in the shape of a Sneep (Nase)

Not long after our host Hendrik-Jan showed us how it should be done and produced the first barbel of the trip

Over the next few day we fished different areas of the river but not before Martin had been out early and collected the bread from the local bakers and Tjitske also cooked our hosts a full english breakfast.

My whole life has evolved around road transport and driving different vehicles from tracked vehicles to buses and motor bikes to tractors but our hosts set me a new challenge in the form of the French luxury car the Citroen Ami 8, this super high -tec vehicle tested my driving skills to the limit, and was also cracking fun to drive.

The big worry was that the french had put the steering wheel on the wrong side and also the French drive on the wrong side of the road, I always thought they were funny people now I know for sure.

As we explored more parts of the river we found some better quality fish and Bianca also managed a nice catfish, something I was hoping to catch during the trip.

To Be Continued

Here's to the next time

Tim and Nico have returned to Holland after a great few days with us in England, all too quickly the short trip was over but not before we managed to catch plenty of barbel from both the Severn and the Trent.

As a humble angler who just enjoys his fishing and good friends I can say I feel privileged to have met and enjoyed the company of some great friends over the last few weeks, I am not going to name any of you incase I forget anyone but you all know who you are, but rest assured my life is richer from the fact I feel I can call each and everyone of you a true friend.

Thanks from us to all of you

There is one exception and that is to Tjitske who really is my best friend and without her love and support my life would not be what it is today.

Tim & Nico on Tour

Tim and Nico are over in England for a few days and catching well on the Severn.